Navy Federal Credit Union

John Baer attended the University of Idaho before transferring to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated with the Class of January 1943. During World War II he was credited with destroying three enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1972 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    396th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    368th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) John Willard Baer (ASN: 0-25684), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    396th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    368th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1944

    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 43 (March 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John Willard Baer (ASN: 0-25684), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action on 23 December 1944. While he was leading a squadron of fighters in the area of Koblenz, Germany, Captain Baer observed a formation of more than thirty-five FW 190’s and ME 109’s attacking three boxes of B-26’s. Determined to protect the bombers, he directed his squadron in a vigorous assault upon the enemy; and despite their numerical superiority Captain Baer made repeated attacks, and by the force of these assaults nullified the enemy mission. By his unusual aerial proficiency Captain Baer personally accounted for the destruction of two of the thirteen enemy planes destroyed by his squadron. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Pacific Air Force

    Action Date:

    1957 – 1958

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel John Willard Baer (ASN: 0-25684), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, from 1957 to 1958. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Baer and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    396th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    368th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) John Willard Baer (ASN: 0-25684), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    396th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    368th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) John Willard Baer (ASN: 0-25684), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of the 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.